At his Monday press conference, coach Romeo Crennel said what was thought to be an ankle injury for Smith turned out to be an Achilles. But Crennel did not give an estimate of how long Smith would be out or whether he would need surgery.

Smith, a nine-year veteran, was part of a four-man rotation for three spots on the defensive line, along with Shaun Smith, Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. Shaun Smith said he will have to play more outside without Robaire Smith. Also likely to be called on are Louis Leonard, a second-year player signed as a free agent on Oct. 8, 2007 and Ahtyba Rubin, a sixth-round draft choice from Iowa State.